One of the most wonderful things about theatre is its ability to open up entire worlds of possibility. From the deepest depths of emotion to most whimsical and absurd fantasies you could ever think of, theatre runs the full gamut of imagination.
And who on Earth have imaginations as vibrant and lively than children?
FringeKids! captures all the ingenuity and creativity of the main Fringe Festival, but through age-appropriate shows, on-site performances and workshops.
Jump ahead:
• New This Year: The FringeKids! Club
• Theatrical Fun for the Entire Family
• Show Synopses and links to reviews
New This Year: The FringeKids! Club
Finally, young Fringers have a space to call their own. The FringeKids! Club is located at the Huron St. Junior Public School (just north of Bloor and east of Spadina).
The club features a kid-friendly space, complete with reasonably priced workshops, and many free attractions like arts and crafts activities, an open-air performance space, in fact, rumour has it that weekends even feature bouncy castles! There are also kids’ wares and kid-appropriate food vendors.
It’s about a fifteen to twenty minute walk away from the Palmerston library, where the FringeKids! plays are taking place, making it a great place to let off some steam between if you have a gap between shows.
Kids can even pick up a FringeKids! Passport and earn a stamp for each play he or she sees. But that’s not all, each stamp gives a child a chance to win a prize from a draw that will be held on the last day of the festival.
Theatrical Fun for the Entire Family
This year’s FringeKids! lineup features eight feature plays, ranging from puppet shows to interactive dance spectacles. What’s more, tickets for folks 12 and under are only $5 each. With subject matter ranging from learning to be comfortable in your own skin to an education on how to be a better friend, there’s something on the docket for everybody. Even better, theatrical productions help open children’s minds to new ideas and to new ways of thinking.
“It opens their minds up to new ideas and forces them to use their imaginations in a way that TV and computers aren’t able to,” says Alison Daley of Elly’s Emotions. “The performing arts help kids (and adults) build communicative and social skills, while providing an outlet for them to express their feeling/ideas and who they are.”
Show Synopses – titles are linked to Mooney on Theatre reviews
A QUEST OF CHARACTER by Tricia Myles & Carolyn Williamson
With a full cast of colourful characters, this play follows a princess and her heroic night on their whimsical journey of self-discovery. It’s musical take on the classic heroic fairy tale.
BUSYNESS by Daniel Cipilinsky
This semi-silent play examines the theme of how our actions have a direct impact on the lives of others. Nonsensical and fun, this play is full of absurd humour that’s sure to get a chuckle or two out of your youngster.
ELLY’S EMOTIONS by Alison Daley with Johnson & Johnston
Selected as the top FringeKids! production by one of our new reviewers, Catherine Jan, this play centres on one young girl’s struggle with being accepted be her peers in the face of not having all the latest toys and gadgets.
Says Catherine, “It resonated with me as a parent because it reminded me of the importance of free play where kids use their imaginations instead of participating in costly lessons or playing video games or jumping in rented bouncy castles.”
“I glanced at my kid several times, and he was captivated throughout the play,” she adds.
HUNGRY by Jen Gallant & Nick Aiello
Have your children ever told you they wish they could eat nothing but candy for every meal? Well, this play examines one young girl’s journey through a magical land called ‘Sugartown’. Filled with food puns and catchy tunes, this is one of the lighter FrigeKids! Productions.
RAPUNZEL: THE EXTENSION EDITION by Geri Paige Gans
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably read the tale of Rapunzel to your child one or twice. This play by Geri Paige Gans is a musical re-telling of the centuries-old classic. But this time, Rapunzel has a few new animated animal helpers in her quest for love and freedom.
ROCKETBABY by S.C. Pinney & Tom Carson
When a boy and his sister receive a mysterious toy, they’re transported to outer space and must find their way home. Imaginative and well-written, this play combines humour and lively acting to teach important life lessons.
ROCKGARDEN PARTY! – AN INTERACTIVE CHILDREN’S MUSICAL by Charlie Kert
If you child loves to sing and dance, this play is a must-see. Your youngster will also have the opportunity to flex his or her acting chops by following the actors’ prompts in this production, which encourages the audience to be kinder to the planet.
THINK BIGG by Trent Arterberry
High-energy and fast-paced, combines pantomime, humour and engaging dialogue to create fantastical stories that are enjoyable to patrons of all ages. Fans of one-man mime shows won’t want to miss this plays.
All plays take place at the Palmerston Library, conveniently located just two blocks west of the main Fringe hub. For a full listing of show times and descriptions, check out this PDF.